Signal processing system using external storage device

ABSTRACT

A signal processing system comprises a signal processing device which includes a connector and a plurality of kinds of external storage devices which are arranged to store respective different kinds of information signals. In this system, the plurality of kinds of external storage devices are selectively connectable to the signal processing device through the connector, the information signal is transmissible to the signal processing device through the connector from the external storage device connected to the signal processing device, and the signal processing device further includes a detecting circuit which is arranged to detect via the connector the kind of the external storage device connected to the signal processing device. The system thus allows the external storage devices having information of varied kinds to be connected through one and the same connector. Therefore, information of diverse kinds can be formed and processed without necessitating any complex system arrangement.

This is a continuation of prior application Ser. No. 07/720,913, filedJun. 25, 1991, now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a signal processing system having a signalprocessing device and an external storage device which is arranged to beattachable to and detachable from the signal processing device.

2. Description of the Related Art

In recording a video signal obtained by sensing images with a videocamera and an audio signal obtained simultaneously with the videosignal, many systems have been arranged to enhance the image effect ofthe record by superimposing or combining some other images such asletters, symbols, a specific picture or the like with the recordingvideo signal and to multiplex background music or some effect soundswith the recording audio signal.

Among various known systems for combining video signals with othersignals, a system of using a so-called character generator has beenoften employed. This system comprises a pattern ROM (read-only memory)which stores various patterns such as characters, symbols, etc. for adisplay as necessary; registers which are arranged to store informationon the kind of a character to be displayed in every one of displaypositions; and a reading part which is arranged to read out the contentsof the pattern ROM corresponding to the contents of the registers inaccordance with horizontal and vertical synchronizing (sync) signals andto combine them with the video signal. Further, in displaying acharacter, the kind of the character to be displayed is written into theregister of the display position by means of a microcomputer or thelike.

In the case of another known system, the video signal obtained bysensing images is converted by an A/D (analog-to-digital) converter intoa digital image signal of one to several bits. The digital image signalis stored in a memory arranged for every display picture element. Then,in accordance with the horizontal and vertical sync signals, thecontents of the memory is serially read out to combine them with anothervideo signal which is separately obtained by sensing images.

A further example of known systems comprises a graphic memory whichcorresponds to each picture element on a picture plane; a microcomputerwhich writes image data to be displayed into the graphic memory; and areading circuit which reads out the contents of the graphic memory. Themicrocomputer is arranged to write the image data to be displayed intothe graphic memory in accordance with a given program. The readingcircuit is arranged to read out the image data in accordance withhorizontal and vertical sync signals. The data thus read out is combinedwith a video signal obtained by shooting.

As regards the method for inserting some other audio signal into anaudio signal obtained at the time of image sensing, a device forgenerating an audio signal such as a music record, a music tape, anelectronic sound generator, or the like is used in many cases. Afterimage sensing with a video camera, the audio signal obtained by theaudio signal generating device is combined by means of a mixingamplifier or the like with sounds recorded as an audio signal on a tapealong with a video signal while the audio signal recorded on the tape isreproduced.

Meanwhile, methods of varied kinds have been proposed for controlling avideo camera including, for example, a method wherein: A memory or amicrocomputer which is arranged to store, for example, aperture values,white balance adjustment values, focal points, electronic shutter timevalues, etc. is disposed within the video camera. A suitable combinationof these values is then selected by means of a selection switch or thelike for controlling the shooting operation of the camera.

However, discrete devices of varied kinds must be used for inserting aspecific image into a video signal obtained by shooting, for inserting agiven audio signal into the sounds obtained by shooting and forcontrolling the shooting operation of the video camera as mentionedabove. In addition to that, connection lines are necessary forinterconnecting these discrete devices. Therefore, it has been extremelydifficult for general amateurs to carry out these inserting operations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Under the above-stated background circumstances, it is an object of thisinvention to provide a signal processing system which permits diversesignals to be formed by a simple operation thereon to give versatileeffects.

It is another object of this invention to provide a signal processingsystem which is arranged to permit use of information of diverse kindsstored in external storage devices by providing a signal processingdevice with only one connecting part to the external storage device.

Under this object, a signal processing system arranged as an embodimentof this invention comprises a signal processing device having aconnector; and a plurality of kinds of external storage devices arrangedto store respective different kinds of information signals. In thissystem, the plurality of kinds of external storage devices areselectively connectable to the signal processing device through theconnector; the information signal is transmissible to the signalprocessing device through the connector from the external storage deviceconnected to the signal processing device through the connector; and thesignal processing device includes detecting means for detecting, throughthe connector, the kind of the external storage devices connected to thesignal processing device through the connector.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a signal processingsystem which is arranged to process different kinds of informationsignals and to be capable of imparting diverse effects to the signals.

Under that object, a signal processing system arranged as anotherembodiment of the invention comprises a signal processing device whichincludes first and second connectors, video signal processing means forprocessing a video signal and audio signal processing means forprocessing an audio signal; a first external storage device which storesimage information; and a second external storage device which storessound information. In the system, the first and second external storagedevices are arranged to be simultaneously connectable to the signalprocessing device through the first and second connectors.

These and further objects and features of this invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description of embodiments thereoftaken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing in outline the arrangement of a videocamera system which is arranged as a first embodiment of this invention.FIGS. 2(A) to 2(D) show an example of an external storage device whichis included in the same embodiment. FIGS. 3(A) to 3(D) show anotherexample of the external storage device of the same embodiment. FIGS.4(A) and 4(B) show a further example of the external storage device ofthe same embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the details of aconnecting part and the details in part of a control part included inthe video camera system shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 shows the values ofdetecting resistors connected between the ground and the detectionterminals of connectors of the external storage devices shown in FIGS.2(A) to 2(D), FIGS. 3(A) to 3(D) and FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B). FIG. 7 is aflow chart showing the operation of the control part of the video camerasystem shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing thearrangement of the essential parts of a video camera system which isarranged as a second embodiment of this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following describes the details of embodiments of this invention:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing in outline the arrangement of a videocamera system which is arranged according to this invention as a firstembodiment thereof. The illustration includes the body 1 of aVTR-integrated video camera; a photo-taking lens 2; an image sensor 3;an image sensor driving part 4; a camera signal processing circuit 5; acombining circuit 6 for combining a title signal with a video signal; aVTR part 7; an output terminal 8 for the video signal; an externalstorage device 9 which is arranged to be connected to the video camerabody 1; a connection part 10 which is arranged to permit mounting ordemounting the external storage device 9 on or from the video camerabody 1; a control part 11 which is arranged to control the externalstorage device 9, an exchange of data, the image sensor driving part 4,the camera signal processing circuit 5, switches and an informationdisplay to be made on an electronic viewfinder 21, etc.; switches 12, 13and 14; an image forming part 15 which is arranged to form a titlesignal; a writable and readable memory 16 which is arranged to storeimage data included in title data obtained from the external storagedevice 9; a microphone 17 which is mounted on a part of the camera body1 and is arranged to record sounds; an audio amplifier 18; a mixeramplifier 19 which is arranged to combine an audio signal obtained fromthe external storage device 9 with the output of the audio amplifier 18;an audio output terminal 20; and the electronic viewfinder (hereinafterreferred to as EVF) 21 which is arranged to display a recording orreproducing image and character information on the state of operation.

An object to be picked up is imaged by the photo-taking lens 2 on theimage sensor 3. The image is photo-electrically converted into an imagesignal and is then supplied to the camera signal processing circuit 5.The image sensor 3 is arranged to perform a predetermined image sensingaction in accordance with timing pulses output from the image sensordriving part 4. The camera signal processing circuit 5 performs apredetermined processing action on the image signal and produces a videosignal. The video signal is supplied to the combining circuit 6 to becombined with a title signal which will be described later, before it isrecorded at the VTR part 7. Further, at the time of reproduction, thevideo signal output from an video signal output terminal 8 is suppliedto the input terminal of an external apparatus such as a TV monitor orthe like.

Meanwhile, an audio signal obtained by means of the microphone 17 isamplified by the audio amplifier 18. The amplified audio signal issupplied to the mixer amplifier 19 to be combined with another audiosignal which is generated by the external storage device 9 as will bedescribed later herein. The composite audio signal which is thusobtained is recorded by the VTR part 7 either in a predetermined audiotrack or in an audio recording band along with the above-statedcomposite video signal. The control part 11 operates according to thestates of the switches 12 to 14, the kind, state and data of theexternal storage device 9 connected to the connection part 10, andcontrols the supply of data to the image forming part 15, and theactions of the image sensor driving part 4, the camera signal processingcircuit 5, etc. The control part 11 further sends characters or the likeas information on the states of these parts to the EVF 21. Upon receiptof the data from the control part 11, the image forming part 15 writesthe data into the memory 16. After that, the image forming part 15 formsan image signal by reading data out from the memory 16 according to aninstruction coming from the control part 11. The image signal thusformed is supplied to the combining circuit 6 to be combined with thevideo signal. Further, the connection part 10 is arranged to permit theexternal storage devices 9 of varied kinds to be selectively mounted anddemounted on and from the connection part 10.

FIGS. 2(A) to 2(D) show an example of the external storage device 9 ofthis embodiment. Of these figures, FIG. 2(A) shows the arrangement ofthe external storage device. The illustration includes a microcomputer100; a ROM 101 which is disposed within the microcomputer 100; a CPU 102which is also disposed within the microcomputer 100; a serialcommunication port 103 which is also disposed within the microcomputer100; and a connector 104 which is arranged to connect the externalstorage device 9 to the camera body 1. With the external storage device9 arranged in this manner, when a reading address is sent from thecamera body 1 via the connector 104 and the communication port 103, theexternal storage device 9 sends data stored within the ROM 101 at a partcorresponding to the reading address to the camera body 1 through theserial communication port 103 and the connector 104.

FIG. 2(B) shows data stored within the ROM 101 of FIG. 2(A). Referringto FIG. 2(B), a control program for the above-stated data reading actionis stored in a leader part of the addresses. After the leader part, isprovided a header part which includes data indicating the kind of theexternal storage device, the kind of data stored and data indicating aleader address of each data, etc. The header part is followed by imagedata 1, control data 1, image data 2, control data 2, etc. A givennumber of image data and control data are stored at each of addresses inthis manner.

FIG. 2(C) is a flow chart showing the operation of the microcomputer 100of FIG. 2(A). Referring to FIG. 2(C), the reading address is firstshifted to the forefront of the header part after the start ofoperation. This makes the external storage device 9 fit for an action tobe performed on the side of the camera body 1 for detecting the kind ofthe external storage device 9 as will be further described later. Afterthis, information on the reading address sent from the camera body 1 isreceived. Then, data corresponding to the reading address is sent to thecamera body 1. These steps are repeated.

FIG. 2(D) shows the state of an information display made within the EVF21 when the external storage device 9 is connected to the connectionpart 10 of the camera body 1. Referring to FIG. 2(D), the kind of theexternal storage device 9 is displayed in a easily noticeable part suchas an upper part. In this instance, the kind of the external storagedevice 9 is displayed as "TYPE A". Below the kind of the externalstorage device 9, the contents of data in storage are displayed by itemnumbers with a suitable mark such as an arrow attached to an item numberwhich is currently active. Further, as shown, the indexes of the itemsread out from the external storage device 9 are shown on the one side ofthe item numbers, for example, as "AAAA", "BBBB", etc. The operator isthus enabled to readily know the kind of the external storage device 9currently in connection and the item number of data currently inprocess.

FIGS. 3(A) to 3(D) show another example of the external storage device 9of this embodiment. FIG. 3(A) shows the arrangement of the externalstorage device. As apparent from FIG. 3(A), the structural arrangementof this example is identical with that of the example shown in FIG. 2(A).

FIG. 3(B) shows data stored within the ROM 101 of FIG. 3(A). As shown, acontrol program for data reading is stored in a leader part of theaddresses. After the control program, a header part which is similar tothe header part of the FIG. 2(B) is stored and followed by control data1, control data 2, etc. A given number of control data are thus storedat each of addresses.

FIG. 3(C) is a flow chart showing the operation of the microcomputer 100of FIG. 3(A). After the start of operation, the reading address isshifted to the forefront of the header part to make the external storagedevice 9 fit for an action to be performed on the side of the camerabody 1 for detecting the kind of the external storage device 9. Afterthat, a reading address sent from the camera body 1 is received. Inresponse to this, the control data of the applicable reading address issent to the camera body 1. These steps are repeatedly executed.

FIG. 3(D) shows the state of an information display made within the EVF21 when the external storage device 9 is connected to the connectionpart 10 of the camera body 1. This display is made in the same manner asthe display made when the external storage device of FIG. 2(A) isconnected to the connection part 10. In other words, the kind of theexternal storage device 9 is shown in an easily noticeable part such asan upper part, as "TYPE B", in this instance. The contents of datastored within the external storage device 9 are displayed by itemnumbers below "TYPE B".

FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B) show a further example of the external storagedevice 9 of the system of this embodiment. Referring to FIG. 4(A) whichshows the arrangement of the external storage device, the externalstorage device 9 comprises a sound source 200, a table ROM 201; acontrol circuit 202; and an envelope circuit 203. The control circuit202 controls, according to the contents of the table ROM 201, the toneand length of the sound of the sound source 200 and the envelope circuit203 to form a given audio signal for music, effect sounds, etc. Theaudio signal thus obtained is sent out via the connector 104 to thecamera body 1.

FIG. 4(B) shows the state of an information display made within the EVF21 when the external storage device 9 is connected to the connectionpart 10 of the camera body 1. As shown, like in the cases of theexternal storage devices shown in FIGS. 2(A) and 3(A), the kind of theexternal storage device is shown, in this case, as "TYPE C". However,since there is no index data in the case of this example, only itemnumbers are displayed with a mark such as an arrow attached to the itemnumber which is currently active.

FIG. 5 shows the connection part 10 and the details in part of thecontrol part 11 of the video camera system shown in FIG. 1. Referring toFIG. 5, the connection part 10 is arranged to cause the connector 104 ofone of a plurality of external storage devices 9 such as those describedabove to be selectively and electrically connected to the camera body 1.The connection part 10 comprises a ground terminal (GND) 301; adetection terminal 0 (ID0) 302; a detection terminal 1 (ID1) 303; adetection terminal 2 (ID2) 304; a control terminal 0 (CONTROL0) 305; acontrol terminal 1 (CONTROL1) 306; a control terminal 2 (CONTROL2) 307,a control terminal 3 (CONTROL3) 308; a power supply terminal (VCC) 309;and an audio signal output terminal (ANO) 310.

The detection terminal 0 (302), the detection terminal 1 (303) and thedetection terminal 2 (304) are connected to a power supply VCCrespectively via resistors 311, 312 and 313 which have a givenresistance value R0 and are also connected to the input terminals of anA/D converter 314 which is disposed within the control part 11. When theexternal storage device 9 is connected to the camera body 1, a CPU 316reads the voltage values of the terminals 302, 303 and 304 through theA/D converter 314. The control terminals 0 to 3 (305 to 308) areconnected to an input/output port 315 of the control part 11 and arearranged to exchange data according to the kind of the external storagedevice 9 in the above-stated manner and to send out operation controlsignals. Further, the audio signal which is received from the audiosignal output terminal 310 is combined by the mixer amplifier 19 shownin FIG. 1 with an audio signal which is received from the microphone 17shown also in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 shows the resistance values of the resistors connected betweenthe ground terminal 301 and the detection terminals 0 to 2 (302 to 304)arranged at the connector 104 in each of the external storage devices 9shown in FIGS. 2(A) to 2(D), 3(A) to 3(D), 4(A) and 4(B).

The external storage devices shown in FIGS. 2(A) to 2(D) and 3(A) to3(D) are arranged to receive and send data through the communicationport 103 and the input/output port 315. Meanwhile, the external storagedevice shown in FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B) is arranged to output only an audiosignal only via the audio signal output terminal 310. The detectionterminal 0 is provided for a discrimination between the external storagedevice shown in FIGS. 2(A) to 2(D) or in FIGS. 3(A) to 3(D) and theexternal storage device shown in FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B). The detectionterminal 0 (302) is connected to a 0 ohm resistance if the externalstorage device connected to the connection part 10 is the device shownin FIGS. 2(A) to 2(D) or in FIGS. 3(A) to 3(D) and to an R0 ohmresistance if it is the device shown in FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B). Further,the detection terminals 1 and 2 (303 and 304) are arranged to show thestorage contents of an external storage device having no communicationoutput like the device shown in FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B). For example, agiven resistance of R1 or R2 ohms is connected according to the numberof pieces of music or the like stored. The control part 11 is arrangedto be capable of reading the values of resistors connected to thedetection terminals 0, 1 and 2 (302, 303 and 304) as the values ofvoltage supplied to the A/D converter 314.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the operation of the control part 11included in the video camera system shown in FIG. 1. The operation is asdescribed below:

The operation starts at a step 400. At a step 401: The value ID0 of thedetection terminal 0 is first read through the A/D converter 314. At astep 402: The value ID0 is checked. If the value ID0 is found to be "0",the external storage device in connection with the connection part 10 isconsidered to be of the kind inputting and outputting data through theinput/output port 315 as mentioned above. In that case, the flow ofoperation comes to a step 403. At the step 403: The data of the headerpart shown in FIG. 2(B) or 3(B) is read out through data communicationwith the external storage device. Step 404: A code indicating the kindof data stored within this header part (i.e., the kind of the externalstorage device) is read through the input/output port 315. A processensuing on the step 404 is determined according to this code as follows:

If the external storage device shown in FIGS. 2(A) to 2(D) is determinedto be in connection at the step 404, the flow comes to a step 405. Atthe step 405: The data stored within the external storage device 9 isread out according to the states of the switches 12, 13 and 14. Then, asmentioned in the foregoing, the image data is sent to the image formingpart 15 to be written into the data memory 16. At the same time, theimage forming part 15 is controlled by control data to obtain a titlesignal by setting the color, display position, etc. of the image of atitle. The title signal which is formed in this manner is supplied tothe combining circuit 6 to be combined with a video signal which comesfrom the camera signal processing circuit 5. The video signal which isthus combined with the title signal at the combining circuit 6 issupplied to the EVF 21 together with a display signal which is outputfrom the control part 11 indicating the kind, the number and contents ofthe data stored, the operating state, etc. of the external storagedevice. As a result, a display is made in a manner as shown in FIG.2(D). During this display process, the flow of operation either comes toa step 409 to detect any error made in the communication or mounting anddemounting of the external storage device (a change in the value ID0) orthe action of the step 405 is continuously executed until the operationof the external storage device is brought to a stop by the operation ofthe switch 12, 13 or 14, etc. In the event of occurrence of an error,the flow comes back to the step 401.

If the external storage device in connection is found to be the deviceshown in FIGS. 3(A) to 3(D) at the step 404, the flow comes to a step406. At the step 406: Data stored within the external storage device isread out according to the states of the switches 12, 13 and 14. Then,the image sensor driving part 4, the camera signal processing circuit 5are controlled. The action of the electronic shutter, a white balanceadjusting action, a high-luminance compressing action, a gammacharacteristic, a contour emphasizing action, etc. are determined.Further, like at the step 405, an action is performed to display thekind, the number and contents of the data stored and the operating stateof the external storage device within the EVF 21, as shown in FIG. 3(D).Further, like the step 405, the action of the step 406 is either broughtto a stop or continuously repeated until an error is determined to haveoccurred at a step 410. If the occurrence of an error is detected at thestep 410, the flow comes back to the step 401.

Further, if the value ID0 is found to be 1/2 VCC at the step 402, theexternal storage device of the kind shown in FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B) isdetermined to be in connection. In that case, the flow of operationcomes to a step 407. At the step 407: Values ID1 and ID2 are read tofind the number of audio signals stored within the external storagedevice. At a step 408: A control signal is sent to the external storagedevice according to the state of the switches 12, 13 and 14. This causesthe external storage device to act to supply an audio signal to thecamera body 1 via the audio signal output terminal 310. The audio signalthus received is combined by the mixer amplifier 19 with an audio signaloutput from the audio amplifier 18. Further, a display as shown in FIG.4(B) is made on the EVF 21 showing the kind of the external storagedevice, information read from the values ID1 and ID2, the operatingstate of the device, etc. In this instance, the states of the valuesID0, ID1 and ID2 are incessantly monitored like in other casesdescribed. In the event of occurrence of any change, the change isconsidered to be an error at a step 411 and the flow comes back to thestep 401.

In a case where the value ID0 is found to be VCC at the step 402, noexternal storage device is determined to be in connection at a step 412,so that the flow comes back to the step 401.

With the video camera system arranged in accordance with this inventionin the manner as described in the foregoing, the system has thefollowing advantages: The external storage devices of varied kinds canbe connected to the camera body with only a single connection part 10provided. The kind of the external storage device can be automaticallydetected. Therefore, all the diverse functions of these external storagedevices can be utilized.

FIG. 8 shows in a block diagram the essential parts of a video camerasystem which is arranged according to this invention as a secondembodiment thereof.

The second embodiment is provided with two connection parts which permittwo external storage devices 9 to be simultaneously connected and to besimultaneously operable by a control part 11. This arrangementsimultaneously gives advantageous effects of a plurality of kindscorresponding to a plurality of external storage devices. For example,in a case where the external storage device shown in FIGS. 2(A) to 2(D)and the external storage device shown in FIG. 4(A) and 4(B) aresimultaneously connected to the camera body, it is possible to combine agiven audio signal with sounds picked up while a given image is insertedin an image sensed by shooting.

In each of the embodiments described, the title signal formed by theimage forming part 15 is arranged to be combined with the video signalobtained from a sensed image on the input side of the VTR part 7.However, this arrangement may be changed to combine the title signalwith the video signal on the output side of the VTR part 7 or on boththe input and output sides of the VTR part 7. With respect to the audiosignal, it is possible to have an audio signal which is obtained fromthe external storage device combined with an audio signal output of theVTR part 7.

Further, the modes of displays that can be made within the EVF 21 ofeach of the embodiments are not limited to the modes described. Thekind, the contents and the operating state of the external storagedevice can be displayed in various manners. Further, the contents of theexternal storage device shown in FIGS. 3(A) to 3(D) may be arranged tobe usable for controlling not only the image sensor driving part 4 andthe camera signal processing circuit 5 but also the aperture of thephoto-taking lens 2, an automatic focusing action and also the operationof the VTR part 7. Further, while the embodiment described is arrangedto make the display by the EVF 21, this may be changed to make a displayby means of some other display element such as a liquid crystal displayplate or the like.

As described in the foregoing, in accordance with this invention,external storage devices of a plurality of kinds can be connected to acommon connection part. Therefore, a signal processing system can bearranged in accordance with this invention to be easily operable and topermit recording of versatile signals to give diverse effects withouthindering reduction in size and weight of the system.

What is claimed is:
 1. A signal processing system comprising:(A) aplurality of kinds of storage devices, each comprising:a) storing meansfor storing information signals, said storing means being different inkinds according to the plurality of kinds of storing devices; b) holdingmeans for holding information relative to the kinds of storing means,said holding means having resistance means having different resistancevalues according to the kinds of the storing means; and (B) signalprocessing means, comprising:a) a connection means to which said holdingmeans of said storing devices is selectively connectable, saidconnection means receiving the information relative to the kinds of thestoring means from the plurality of kinds of storing devices; and b)detecting means for detecting the resistance value of the resistancemeans of the holding means connected to the connection means so as todiscriminate the kinds of the storing means connected to the connectingmeans on the basis of the detected resistance value.
 2. A systemaccording to claim 1, wherein said connection means has a plurality ofterminals for each receiving the information relative to the kinds ofthe storing means and said detection means discriminates the kinds ofthe storing means on the basis of the resistance value of the resistancemeans connected to the plurality of terminals.
 3. A system according toclaim 1, wherein said signal processing means has read-out means whichreads out the information signal from the storing means and receives thesame through the holding means and the connection means on the basis ofthe discrimination results of the detection means.
 4. A system accordingto claim 3, wherein said storing means of the plurality of kinds ofstoring devices each stores detected information indicating its own kindas the information signal.
 5. A system according to claim 3, whereinsaid storing means is capable of supplying an image information signalas the information signal to said signal processing device via saidinput/output terminal, and wherein said signal processing deviceincludes combining means for combining a video signal generated fromsaid signal processing device with a video signal formed in accordancewith the image information signal supplied from said first externalstorage device.
 6. A system according to claim 3, wherein said storingmeans is capable of supplying a control information signal as theinformation signal to said signal processing device via saidinput/output terminal, and wherein said signal processing deviceincludes control means for controlling various parts of said signalprocessing device in accordance with the control information signal. 7.A signal processing device to be set with a plurality of storing deviceseach having storing means and resistance means having differentresistance values according to the kinds of the storing devices,comprising:a) connection means for connecting with the resistance means;b) detection means for detecting the resistance values of the resistancemeans connected to the connection means; and c) discrimination means fordiscriminating the kinds of the storing devices on the basis ofdetection results of the detection means.
 8. An apparatus according toclaim 7, wherein said connection means includes a plurality ofconnection terminals and said detection means detects resistance valuesof the resistance means connected to the plurality of connectionterminals.
 9. An apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said pluralityof connection terminals include a ground terminal and a power sourceterminal.
 10. An apparatus according to claim 7, further comprisingread-out means for reading out an information signal stored in thestoring means through the connection means on the basis of thediscrimination results of the discrimination means, and signalprocessing means for processing the information signal read out by theread-out means.
 11. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein theinformation signal stored in the storing means includes a video signal.12. An apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising generationmeans for generation of the video signal, wherein said signal processingmeans includes means for synthesizing the video signal read out from thestoring means with the video signal from the generation means.
 13. Anapparatus according to claim 11, further comprising recording means forrecording the video signal from the generation means, said recordingmeans also recording the video signal synthesized by the synthesizingmeans.
 14. An apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising displaymeans for displaying video images relative to the video signals read outfrom the storing means.
 15. A storing device for supplying informationsignals to a signal processing apparatus which discriminates the kind ofa storing device set thereto and processes signals according todiscrimination results, comprising:a) storing means for storinginformation signals, said storing means being provided in a plurality ofkinds according to the kinds of the storing devices; and b) holdingmeans for holding information relative to the kinds of the storingdevices, said holding means including resistance means having differentvalues according to the kinds of the storing devices,wherein said signalprocessing apparatus detects the resistance values of the resistancemeans and discriminates the kinds of the storing devices on the basis ofthe resistance values.
 16. A device according to claim 15, wherein saidstoring means is capable of outputting the information signal from thestoring means through the holding means according to the discriminationresults of the signal processing apparatus.
 17. A device according toclaim 15, wherein the storing means stores video signals as theinformation signals.